BSN exclusive: The complicated situation surrounding Semyon Varlamov's future

Despite Philipp Grubauer being the hottest goalie in the NHL at the moment (a .980 saves percentage and 0.99 goals-against average in the last five starts), and despite him having a three-year contract and presumably the inside track at being the No. 1 goalie of the Avalanche for the future, there is a strong chance Semyon Varlamov could return to the team.

BSN Denver has learned there is “mutual interest” in the veteran Russian goaltender signing a new contract with Colorado – despite the fact that Varlamov can be an unrestricted free agent July 1. There have, in fact, been recent talks between the team and Varlamov’s representatives, and it’s believed an offer has been made to Varlamov – though neither side would confirm that to BSN Denver.

It’s a bit of a complicated situation. While Grubauer has been terrific of late, most of his play previously was average or below, numbers-wise. Though he may well turn into a bona-fide No. 1 goalie, the Avs want some insurance in case they think he’s still got some development to go. They have Pavel Francouz as a potential partner with Grubauer, but there’s one problem: Francouz has only played on a one-year contract this season, after coming over from the KHL. After a season in which he was an AHL all-star with the Colorado Eagles, Francouz may want some good coin on his next deal, and he can potentially go UFA on July 1.

Varlamov wants to stay in Denver. Asked by BSN Denver if he’d take a “hometown discount” to stay, the veteran said this: “I’m the one who’s going to have to make a decision in the end, not my agent. My agent does all the contract stuff, but I’m the one who makes the decision. It’s not about taking a discount…I didn’t even think about it.”

Varlamov may, indeed, have to take less than the $5.9 million he’s averaged per year in his latest contract if he wants to stay in Denver. He will be 31 next month. His saves percentage (.910) is at the exact league average overall. His saves percentage last season, in 51 games, was .920.

But Varlamov is finally starting to feel like his older self, physically at least. The injuries to his hip and groin in recent years were finally corrected when he saw Dr. Marc Phillipon in Vail, probably the country’s leading expert in treating hip injuries.

The question is: can both sides work out a deal that they’re happy with? The Avs figure to have lots of space under the salary cap this summer (Capfriendly.com says about $33.4 million for 2019-20), but the team does have to negotiate new deals with potential restricted free agents Mikko Rantanen, Alexander Kerfoot, J.T. Compher and Nikita Zadorov). Rantanen could cost as much as $10 million to re-sign, given the comparables to some recent contracts around the league.

Another unanswered question: Will Grubauer’s hot streak cool the Avs off on wanting to bring Varly back? After all, Varlamov is sitting on the bench right now, as Grubauer has kept the team’s playoff hopes still alive as it enters a Thursday night game in Dallas, a game Grubauer is expected to start.

The team had no comment, when asked by BSN Denver about Varlamov’s status. It could get more interesting as time moves along.